Hanson-Allen Family

George Frederic Allen's 1856 Diary

In 1856, George Frederic Allen was 19 years old, and evidently 'train-spotting' was one of his many hobbies, judging by remarks and a long series of notes in the diary. He was also building a 3 inch-guage model railway, which had sixty feet of track. 

The diary outlines his social life in London, his friends, his arguments (we can only wonder about the cause of his attitude toward 'Atkins') and his unfortunate tendency to suffer headaches. His descendants lay the blame for their own headaches upon him - rightly or wrongly! Imperfect eyesight may have been his problem, if reverse-genetics can point to anything. As an aside, the diary cost him 2/6d.

In his later life, as with various other documents, he added little comments to his original work - like the one mentioned on page 6. This was to ensure that posterity was armed with such things as names instead of initials. This webpage is set out much as he had it in the diary, meaning that when he got the urge to write something at the back or front of the diary, it does not follow any particular pattern and may have been written decades later. My comments are coloured.

His abbreviations include: m or M = morning, a or A = afternoon, e or E = evening, tr = train, ch = church

The current owner of this diary is Warwick Hanson Allen, of Palmerston North, New Zealand, a grandson of G.F. Allen. The diary was transcribed by G.F.A.'s great granddaughter, Val Burr originally in about 1988, and in this version in January 2001.

Visit also the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway website for further information on that line, or iRail: Web Directory, a British directory of railway websites.

"George Fred. Allen"

Page 1: Engines L.B. & S.C. Railway (i.e. London Brighton & South Coast Railway). 92 a Domer

Pages 2-3 are headed "Down" and "Up". They along with pages 4-5 contain lengthy columns of numbers. They are a train timetable, complete with train numbers. These are added as well, by request. 

Page 6: "2 October 1853. I came to London to business at 6 Duke St., with Allen, Snooke & Stock. I boarded at Mrs Tatton's at Sydenham Station. At midsummer 1855 my mother moved from Powis Square, Brighton, to Epsom, where we lived [at 4 Stanley Terrace] till Sept. 29, 1859, when we moved to Nugent Villas, Richmond Rd., Hackney. [The following comments have been crossed out] Sunday May 11th 1856, walked W.S. Lessington with the others and leaving them at church, went thro' Thingston to Browford [?] in e. with Emily to Thew.

Page 7: [also crossed out] Sunday - July 6, With Courtney to Thames Di...on [?]. Rowed up to Hampton Court and back. Sunday - July 13th, With Uncle Allen and Emma to Ewell Ch. 'a' to Ashead Nash and ch.

Pages 8-9: Written in Latin. They are headed "LN" and "LE"

Pages 10-11 are blank

Page 12:  "1856" - In 1856 we were living at 4 Stanley Villas, opposite the L.B. & S.C.R. Station (i.e. London Brighton & South Coast Railway), at Epsom, Surrey, England. This house was called Sydenham Cottage, and afterwards Sydenham Villa.

The family consisted of: my mother Maria Allen (widow of George Allen), George Frederic Allen (myself) aged 19, Charles William Allen aged 16, Emma Louisa Allen aged 15, Julia Allen aged 13, Alfred Henry Allen aged 11, Emily Georgina Drew Allen aged 9. Our servants were: Susan aged 18 and Harriet Foat aged 17. [He has also crossed out the name "Mary," adding that "perhaps Mary did not come till 1857."]

I was a pupil to Mr Henry Stock of the firm Allen, Snooke & Stock, 6 Duke St., London Bridge, S.E. and used to go to town by the 8:40 a.m train from Epsom and return by the 5:10 p.m. train from London Bridge.

Page 13, the actual beginning of the diary - entitled "Lett's Diary No. 13";

Jan. 1st, Tuesday 1856: Charlie went to the Woolwich Arsenal with Tom Hanson. In 'e' to the Simmons'. Found George engaged so went with Charlie to the Priniesfs's [? maybe 'Princess' or similar name]. Saw 'Corsican Brothers' and pantomime 'Maid & Magpie.' Cab home to Dalston, found Mr & Mrs Hunt there.

Wednesday 2nd Jan: Went to town with C. (Charlie) by railway. We met the children and Carrie Hanson (whom he married in NZ in 1863) to take them to Drury Lane Theatre. He lost them and made a mess of it. I went in 'e' to meet them at Greensills. Brought them to L.B. Terminus in cab. Took Emily to have her hair cut. Tom H. came down with us. 'E 92=116' [i.e. the train they were on and the loco number.] It seems [he added later] Charlie and Alfred left them at a pastry-cook's while they went to find some other shop. As they did not return, the girls went on to the theatre. They did not find the boys till all were coming out after the play.

3 Thurs. Jan. E 3: In office all day and went to work on aquarium and railway, making points. This was [he added later] a model railway which I was making. It was about 3" gauge.

4 Fri. Jan E6. (= Epsom train, Engine No. 6), B 61 (=Brighton train, Engine No. 61) E 40 (=Epsom train, Engine 40): At Thorp's warehouses all day. Dined at Mr Farmer's home in Epsom. Music in 'e' playing and singing. Letter various knotty problems respecting the approaching parties.

5 Sat. Jan: At Pilcher's surveying warehouse part of day. To Sydenham by 2:15 train, to Stones, Woods & Tattons. Mr T. very dangerously ill, Mrs Hogard there. 'E' Flagged the "shop." Music, vocal and instrumental.

7 Mon. Jan: 'E' Brought Rosa Farmer down with me. Found Tom Stevens come. Hanson and Atkins came in and so we had vocal and instrumental music etc.

8 Tues. Jan: 'E' Had a game or cards.

9 Wed. Jan: Had a party. Present Mr and 4 Misses Ward's, 2 Misses Moates, Mr I. and Misses Johnson, Mr Tom Stevens, Miss Farmer, Mr and Miss Hanson, Atkins, Mr and Miss Fanny Simmons and Courtney. Supped at 10 and broke up about 2½. George Simmons, Courtney, Johnson and self slept at Mrs Hanson's.

10 Thurs. Jan: Breakfasted about 10 a.m. and then all who slept here went for a walk. The Johnsons', Rosa Farmer, Geo Simmons, Tom Stevens and selves got in precious muddy mess. Dancing, singing etc. G.I.C. and I slept at Mrs Hanson's again.

11 Fri. Jan: The Misses Johnson, G. and F. Simmons, Courtney and I went up by 11:50 train. Courtney and I went to the West End had a row on the expensive [?] and stream boat back. 'E'. Had a juvenile party. Present Rosa F., 3 Wards, 3 Misses and 2 Mr Moats, 2 Hopkins, T.S., 4 Hansons. Had Christmas tree. Broke up about 12. Alfred had the sulks so we all got a rowing, Rosa had a good cry. Jolly tired out.

12 Sat. Jan: Down at 4½. Took Rosa and Mem (Possibly his youngest sister Emily) to town with Tom Stevens. Tom went to Brighton by 8 p.m. tr. Put the girls into a cab and returned by 8: 15 tr.

14 Mon. Jan: 'E' to Llee's [i.e. Robert Llee's]

15 Tues. Jan: Meant to go skating, but a thaw. So carpentry, Atkins here.

16 Wed. Jan: Charlie to school at Hoffman's Brighton. Carpentry.

17 Thur. Jan: Marianne Barber and Edith Barber here. Cards etc.

18 Fri. Jan: 'E' to Mr Snooke's

19 Sat. Jan: 'E' to Mr Farmer's.

21 Mon. Jan: Carpentry ........ [word may be 'well']

22 Tue. Jan: Evening carpentering and music.

23 Wed. Jan: All evening copying plans on leases for mother.

24 Thur. Jan: Up early putting to sights closed in little room. 'E' part pencilling and inking in plans of property at Sydenham. Played flute a little with Mem.

25 Fri. Jan: Trained Flora a little before going to town. 'E' read paper aloud. Intended to go on with drawing but had forgotten parallel. Practiced music by self and with Mem. Read old poetry, themes, etc. [Flora was his male dog]

26 Sat. Jan: Up early. Found one chicken hatched (Peri) 'a' Went to Sydenham. Paid Hutton's, Hancock's and Parry's bills. Walked over Sydenham Hills to F. Do. Stn. Stopped at Sydenham, Mr Tatton better. With Grandpapa as far as Croydon. Drawing in 'e'.

28 Mon. Jan: Up early at roof of chicken yard. To town. Came down again by 11:15 train, to get clothes to go with Courtney to Soiree and to sleep at Mr Snooke's. Said Soiree turned out to be a Missionary Meeting of the Colonial Missionary Society so Courtney and I were sold. Slept at Mr Snooke's.

29 Tues. Jan: To town at 11 by omnibus. Seedy all day. 'E' sat in armchair, and read. Mrs Hanson, Atkins and Mr Hopkins came. Wrote out some of the Lt. Peters (Brighton) tunes. Three more chickens hatched (Peri).

30 Wed. Jan: 'E' Mother away at Croydon. On plans, sang a little.

31 Thurs. Jan: Up early colouring plans. 'E' at work on plans, printing to them. Sang a little. Went to the Royal Procession to open Parliament, with Courtney. Saw the Queen and Prince Albert. First rate.

1 Fri. Feb: 'm' Up early colouring plans. Went to New X. Called upon Miss Landom, agreed to go there on Saturday 9th. 'E' carpentry, music. One chicken died (Peri).

2 Sat. Feb: Finished plans of land at Sydenham respecting sale to Harrits [?] and took them to Drew and Grays. [Note that he appears to have mixed up his dates slightly here and ended up with two Fridays, but as they correct themselves several days later, I have adjusted and corrected them too]

3 Sun. Feb: 'M' to Ashtead, took Flora. Emily and I walked in the park during church. 'E' to Epsom. A jolly row after the service between the Vicar and Mr Rodgers respecting the music played by the organist Mr Hopkins. Rodgers in a steam. The Vicar cool and sarcastic, said he'd shut up the organ. R. said he could not.

5 Tue. Feb: 'E' to a party at Mr Moate's. Very much enjoyed same. Home at 2 a.m.

6 Wed. Feb: Started at 9 to go to Belchworth with Flo. Over the Downs, thro Walton and overtook Mr Stock half a mile beyond Belchworth Station. With him to Brockham Green. Rained all the way. Took plans etc. of house there. Dined at the Royal Oak. Home by Railway via Belchworth, Reigate and E. and W. Croydon.

7 Thur. Feb: Had a headache all day. 'E' carpentering and went to Mr Rodgers, the Church Warden, respecting the Vicar's order for suspension of all singing but hymns at the Church. Waited nearly an hour as not at home. Then wrote a note on the subject.

8 Fri. Feb: 'E' music, carpentry. Went to Mr Rodgers, saw him. He said he should in future take no part what ever in the music at Church. Headache.

9 Sat. Feb: Home at 4¼. Repaired netting of fowl yard, put latch on gate etc. Headache.

10 Sun. Feb: In bed nearly all day with bad headache.

11 Mon. Feb: 'E' at work on Railway. Finish wheeled break van. Wheeled tilt waggon. Began set of points. Bad headache.

12 Tue. Feb: Went to Chelsea by boat, to Sly's, artist of the "builder." At the Magdalen Street School taking plan with Courtney. 'E' finish points etc. Went to Mr Ward's as I had a bad headache. Tom Hanson accompanied me.

13 Wed. Feb. Did not go to town but stopped in bed nearly all day, as I felt very poorly. (Note added later by G.F.A.): From now till 24 March did not go to town to office.

14 Thurs. Feb: Mother went to Waddon. Did not go to town.

15 Fri. Feb: Did not go to town. Had two Valentines.

16 Sat. Feb: 'A' Went with Julia, A. & Emma to Newton Wood, found some mosses and primroses. Atkins came and stayed all evening. Tom Hanson supped here.

17 Sun. Feb: Did not go to church.

23 Sat. Feb: 'A' West to Newton Wood. Matty went with us, got more primroses and mosses. (Note added later by G.F.A.): Matty was Maude Hanson, afterwards Mrs Arundel Colliver.

25 Mon. Feb: T. Farmer came yesterday. Atkins came in 'e'. We gave him some tea and then read the newspaper until he went.

26 Tue. Feb: Young the gardener came to take up box and alter garden. Thumped out sundry alterations. Fenced to fowl yard, altered roof etc.

27 Wed. Feb: Did some of the fencing. Matty stayed the evening. Bagatelle and music. Mrs Hanson came in.

28 Thur. Feb: Practiced with Emma all the morning.

29 Fri. Feb: Partly puttied aquarium. Finished fencing at fowl yard. Went for a walk along Kingston Lane with Flora. Brought home some caterpillars etc. Music in 'e'.

1 Sat. Mar: Mended Walter Moate's wheelbarrow. Went in for a walk with Mem. Had a dispute with Young about removal of box. (Possibly he means a box shrub)

3 Mon. Mar: Started with (my dog) Flora to Croydon by 10:45 train. Got a hook for HIS chain. Then to Waddon. home by 3.33 train. Music in 'e'. Copied part of "As it fell upon a Day."

4 Tue. Mar: Cold east wind so did not go to Sydenham as intended. Finished puttying aquarium. Emily Allen came in 'a e'. Music.

5 Wed. Mar: Went to Sydenham by 9:45 tr. to Mr Tatton's. To Wood's, to Garden. Home from Forest Hill by 12:30 tr. to dinner at Mr Tatton's. To my father's grave. Arthur Barry's, Wood's and home by 3:30 train. Insect box. Long talk with mother about Mrs Turner etc.

6 Thur. Mar: Not up till 12 o'clock. 'a' Odd jobs in shops. 'e' making a new brake carriage etc. Covent Garden Theatre was burnt down at 5 a.m.

7 Fri. Mar: Did not get up till 11. On brake etc. Matty Hanson came in. Game of Bagatelle.

8 Sat. Mar: Up at 11. In garden. Put new roost in fowl house. Made trap door in cage. Trained Flo in field. Finished brake. Put up shelves in shop. Refused to pay Young until further SET SHOP IN ORDER (sic). At home all day. Mr Hanson called.

10 Mon. Mar: Finished aquarium. Repaired and prepared for laying 60 ft of railway. Tom Hanson came in evening. Emily Allen left at 1 p.m. (He has crossed out "put ......... in over 56ft.")

11 Tue. Mar: Down to breakfast. Wood came from Sydenham to do garden. Young met him and after a palaver, agreed that we should not pay anything for the box removing. Made spring stop buffers.

12 Wed. Mar: In bed till 3 p.m. Atkins came in evening but finding that we had done tea, decamped. He had evidently intended to stay the evening.

13 Thur. Mar: Not down til 12. Fixed permanent siding. Made stop buffers thereto. Wood here all day.

19 Wed. Mar: Went with Emily to the Common. Caught some efts and caddis worms. 'a' Charlie and Mrs Hoffmann came at 2½. Went with Charlie along Kingston (or 'Thingston') Lane. Fixed up aquarium and filled it. 'E' Music.

20 Thur. Mar: Went with Charlie to the Common. I caught some efts and caddis worms. Made Flora swim across part of the pond opposite the Baron's Lodge. 'a' & 'e' finished flower basket, and music. Mrs Hoffmann went at 3 p.m.

21 Fri. Mar: [Note: Diary is printed "Hol. at all Public Offices - Good Friday") Foggy in morning so did not go to church. Read one of Blair's sermons on 'Passion", and arranged sundry butterflies. 'a' walked (all but E.) along the Epsom sewer (?), to the Ewell stream and to second mill. 'E' arranged Butterflies.

22 Saturday, Mar: All morning engaged with the others in fixing up the fish & flower basket. 'A' With all and Matty along the Ewell stream trying after trout, of course we got none.

23 Easter Sun. Mar: To Ewell with C. & T. In a walked with Cover Racehill (?). Went into a wood there; and got a rowing for doing so.

24 Mon. Mar: Went to town for the first time since 13th Feb. 'E' The Misses Moates and Hanson came; music, dancing, practicing, etc. Very pleasant evening. (Later additions by G.F.A.): "Not at office from February 13 till today. Had a series of headaches."

25 Tue. Mar: Charlie and Snipe went to town.

26 Wed. Mar: Music in 'E'. Tom Hanson supped with us.

27 Thur. Mar: Took Mem to town to go to Mrs Bishop's Charlie went back to Brighton. Went to Goose's at Croydon. Arranged butterflies. (His later comment): "=sic!'

28 Fri. Mar: Mother and Julia went to Town. Miss Sandom (or Landom) here all day. 'E' Gauged railway etc.

29 Sat. Mar: Bought a hat and cap. 'A' Laid down some Railway in garden. 'E' repaired gaff of flagstaff etc. Tom Hanson here part of the evening.

10 Sat. May: Henry Blake here.

11 Sun. May: Sunday - Walked to Chessington with the mother etc. - I leaving them at church, went thro Richmond to Breutford - in 'e' with Emily to Kew, on riverbank for a walk. She is going to Paris shortly.

27 Tue. May: First Day of Epsom Spring Meeting.

28 Wed. May (This page is headed "Darby Day" [sic]): Derby Day. Not to town. 'm' Walked to Ewell to see people coming. 'a' to course with Julia Blake, Julia, C. Hansom (GFA has underlined the 'm' in Hansom - presumably this is Carrie Hanson, his future wife), & Emma. Saw the race well. Rained all the way home; wet thro'. Uncle Allen came in 'e'. Described his visit to Paris.

29 Thur. May (This page is headed "Peace Illuminations"): Uncle & I walked thro' town (Epsom). (The word "Illumination" is repeated above this again) to Crystal Palace. Thro' Sydenham to F. Hill. Had to wait an hour for train. To town met Atkins. To his office, Leddenhall St. Then thro' Strand to Hyde Park - saw fireworks there as well as those at Primrose Hill and the Green Park. Rare (or 'race') crowd at Apsley House. Uncle left us at ...hise Gloise Cellars (?) Held on to step of omnibus, and got to Atkins's at 1:30 a.m. Supped and got train down at 2¼ a.m. Met the Hanson's, Minch & Emma at Croydon. (He later added): Mrs Hanson, Carrie Hanson, Mr Minch & Emma Allen.

25 Wed. June: 'E' Sticking beans.

5 Sat. July: Courtney came down. Went to a picnic at Newton Wood. Row with gamekeeper. Dance. I played flute & Courtney came singing and playing all the way home.

6 Sun. July: With Courtney to Thomas Dillton & thence by boat to Hampton Court. Dined at 'Castle.' Had a very pleasant day.

7 Mon. July: 'M' Out fishing at Price's pond. Caught 7 carp amongst us. Went to Mrs Farmer's in the evening, music. Brought Emma home.

8 Tue. July: 'E' Charlie came home.

10 Thur. July: Uncle and Aunt Allen came. Uncle C. & I walked to Horton, home by the Common.

11 Fri. July: Charlie & Uncle Allen walked to Reigate, Betchworth, Leatherhead, Dorking, etc.

12 Sat. July: C. & Uncle Allen to Box Hill. music in 'E'. Mr Hawkins called.

13 Sun. July: With Uncle Allen & Mem to Ewell Church. In afternoon to Ashhead Park & 'e' Music.

14 Mon. July: 'E' Gardening & Music. Uncle Allen went.

15 Tue. July: Went out with C. shooting at a marsh. A little rain. 'E' Atkins & T.H. came in. Afterwards, Mrs H., C. & W. music. Aunt Allen left at 1 p.m. Trial for organist. Lightning all evening, heavy rain.

16 Wed. July: Amy (?) Simmons and George and Mary came. Went for a walk with George. Amy (or Aunt?) & he went by 8:30 tr. music.

17 Thur. July: 'E' Walk with Mary Simmons, Mother, Emma & the Hansons.

1 Mon. Sept: Before breakfast went out with Charlie and gun. Shot a lark and a squeaker. 'E' Went to house in Tooley St., and took down blind by 6¼ tr.

2 Tues.    Sept: B.B. (Before breakfast ?) Out with Alf and gun, got naught. 'E' laying box and on ship. Charlie went to Mrs Bishop's.

3 Wed. Sept:To Holledges, Croydon in on (?) and to Mr Tatton's. 'E' Edging new path with turf. Music.

15 Mon. Sept: 'E' To Norwood to Mrs Johnson's.

22 Mon. Sept: Tom Stevens came. 'E' At W. (?) Corners. Home by 10:15 tr. (He later added: I think Tom Stevens stayed with us till Sat. Oct 4)

23 Wed. Sept: Took Julia to town and Tom Hanson went with her to Mrs Farmer's.  (He later added: Miss Griffon stayed in 'e' Atkins came - music.)

25 Thur. Sept: 'E' To Mrs Farmer's - took Julia and Rose to the Lyceum. Saw 'Belphegos' and Burlesque on 'Winters Tale.' - Took cab home. (Spoke to T.H. in su(?) re I. and J. Minch had a letter from him re I.; and from J. Minch re C.H. wrote to T.H.)  (???)

26 Fri. Sept: Letter from T.H. and wrote to him. Music with Mem in 'e' T.H. came and had a long chat and row with him in the front parlour.

27 Sat. Sept: 'E' Music - Flute and 2 violins.

29 Mon. Sept: 'E' To the Strand Theatre with T. Hanson and T. Stevens. Saw 'The Old Commodore', 'Of Age Tomorrow', 'Belphegor' (Burlesque) and 'Ins and Outs.' To Croydon by 12:30 tr. and thence by fly to Epsom. John Minch meeting with us. Rare larke, shammed and ruhn (sic). Home at 3 a.m.

30 Tue. Sept: 'E' To Mrs Farmer's, Mrs Thelsey there, Musick (sic) and singing. Come home with Julia by 10:15 tr.

1 Wed. Oct: 'E' Walked from Ewell home (25) Music, piano, flute and 1st and 2nd violins.

2 Thur. Oct: Charlie and Tom Hanson went to town with me to Secys (Secretary's ?) office to sign tickets. Not ready so paid cheque £25/4/-. Walked from E. 19 min. 'E' music with E.

3 Fri. Oct: Got my (annual Railway) ticket - 'E' Walked from Ewell, 30 min. with children. Music. 1st and 2nd violins, flute &  piccolo, 1st & 2nd piano. Atkins supped with us.

4 Sat. Oct: Tom Stevens went - called at Barters re rent, not in. Talbot called, said a gentleman had been over 69 and wanted terms. (69 Tooley St.?)

6 Sat. Oct: This page has a comment written in the same pencil the G.F. Allen has used to clarify earlier entries in the diary, such as converting initials to names. The comment reads: "Alas! No entry for the remainder of this year." All subsequent page have been removed, with the exception of the very last 'blank' pages. These are as follows:

"Tom Stevens was with us at Epsom M. Jan. 7 till S. Jan. 12 and (I think) M. Sept. 22 till S. Oct. 4."

Next Page: "Called upon Mr Pollard, London Joint Stock Bank, asking him to sign several letters requesting votes for Mr Stock for the Lambeth District. Mr Hall, to whom one of the letters was addressed, was reported dead. I told Mr Pollard of this, remarking that should it prove true, of course the letter would not be sent. He very quickly remarked, 'With that understanding I'll sign it; tho' I don't suppose it will reach him if he be dead; and I fear he has not much influence where he is now."

Final Page: This contains a list, but with no explanation. The items are: Chloride of lime, Atlas, Plating spoons, Map environs London, Collins map, Sianes (?), Engines, Timetable, Bill.